How to Undervolt a CPU for Cooler Gaming

What is undervolting?

Undervolting is the process of reducing the voltage supplied to a CPU while keeping the same clock speed. A CPU is designed to operate within a range of voltages, and the default voltage is often higher than necessary to ensure stability across all chips. By lowering the voltage, the CPU uses less power and generates less heat, which can lead to a cooler and quieter gaming PC.

The key benefit is that undervolting does not change the CPU's clock speed, so the performance remains the same. The CPU still runs at its rated speed, but with less electrical stress. This is different from overclocking, which increases clock speed and often requires more voltage.

Why undervolt for gaming?

Gaming puts a sustained load on the CPU, especially in large open-world games or when streaming while playing. This load can cause the CPU to draw more power and produce more heat, which may lead to higher fan speeds and a noisier system. Undervolting can reduce this heat and power draw, making the system run cooler and quieter. If you are looking for a prebuilt that already runs quiet, see the best prebuilt gaming PC guide.

A cooler CPU can also help maintain consistent performance over long gaming sessions. When a CPU gets too hot, it may reduce its clock speed to protect itself, a behavior known as thermal throttling. By lowering the voltage, you reduce the heat, which can help avoid this throttling and keep the CPU running at its full speed.

For gamers who use a prebuilt gaming PC with a stock cooler, undervolting can be particularly useful. It can help the CPU stay within comfortable temperature ranges without needing a more powerful cooler.

How to undervolt a CPU

The process of undervolting a CPU varies depending on the platform. For desktop CPUs, the most common method is to adjust the voltage settings in the BIOS. This involves entering the BIOS during startup, finding the CPU voltage settings, and reducing the voltage in small increments.

Alternatively, some CPUs can be undervolted using software tools provided by the chip manufacturer. These tools allow you to adjust the voltage offset without entering the BIOS, which can be more convenient for beginners. Always check your CPU and motherboard documentation for supported methods.

• Enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key during startup (often Delete or F2).
• Find the CPU voltage settings, which may be labeled as "CPU Core Voltage", "Vcore", or "Offset Voltage".
• Start with a small reduction, such as -0.05V, and save the changes.
• Boot into the operating system and run a stress test to check stability.
• If the system is stable, you can try a further reduction. If it crashes or shows errors, increase the voltage slightly.

Checking stability after undervolting

After applying an undervolt, it is crucial to check that the CPU remains stable. An unstable CPU can cause crashes, freezes, or data corruption. The best way to check stability is to run a stress test that puts a heavy load on the CPU for an extended period. You can also monitor temperatures using tools like the ones described in our guide on monitoring gaming PC temperatures.

There are several stress test programs available, but you can also use the built-in Windows diagnostic tools. The goal is to ensure that the CPU can handle the reduced voltage without errors.

If the system crashes or shows errors during the stress test, the voltage is too low. In that case, increase the voltage slightly and test again. It is better to have a stable system with a small undervolt than an unstable one with a larger undervolt.

Risks and considerations

Undervolting is generally safe, but there are some risks to be aware of. The main risk is system instability, which can be fixed by reverting to the default voltage. There is no risk of damaging the CPU from undervolting, as it reduces electrical stress.

However, not all CPUs support undervolting. Some CPUs have locked voltage settings, especially in prebuilt systems. In such cases, the BIOS may not allow voltage adjustments. Check your CPU and motherboard specifications before attempting this.

It is also important to note that undervolting does not guarantee a specific temperature reduction. The amount of heat reduction depends on the CPU and the workload. Some CPUs may respond better to undervolting than others.

Finally, undervolting is not the same as overclocking. It does not increase performance, but it can help maintain performance by preventing thermal throttling.

What to pick for your play

Undervolting is a technique that can be applied to any gaming PC, but it is especially useful for systems with limited cooling. If you have a prebuilt gaming PC with a stock cooler, undervolting can help keep temperatures in check.

For gamers who play at high refresh rates, a cooler CPU can help maintain consistent frame rates. For those who stream while gaming, undervolting can free up thermal headroom for the GPU and other components. See our guide on gaming PCs for streaming for more context.

If you are building a new gaming PC, consider choosing a CPU that supports undervolting and a motherboard that allows voltage adjustments. This gives you the flexibility to tune the system for lower temperatures. Browse the best CPUs for gaming guide for options.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Is undervolting safe for my CPU?

Yes, undervolting is safe. It reduces the voltage, which lowers heat and power draw. It does not damage the CPU, but it can cause instability if the voltage is too low. You can always revert to the default settings.

Will undervolting reduce my gaming performance?

No, undervolting does not reduce performance because the clock speed remains the same. In fact, it can help maintain performance by preventing thermal throttling. For tips on keeping your PC cool, see our guide on improving airflow.

Can I undervolt any CPU?

Not all CPUs support undervolting. Some CPUs have locked voltage settings, especially in prebuilt systems. Check your CPU and motherboard specifications to see if voltage adjustments are allowed. Learn more in our guide on what to check in a prebuilt gaming PC.

How much can I undervolt my CPU?

The amount of undervolt varies by CPU. It is best to start with a small reduction, such as -0.05V, and test stability. You can gradually reduce the voltage until you find the limit. For a deeper dive, our guide on CPU clock speeds explains how voltage relates to frequency.

Do I need to undervolt if I have a good cooler?

No, but undervolting can still be beneficial. It reduces power draw and heat, which can lower fan noise and improve system longevity. It is a useful technique for any gaming PC. Check out our guide on choosing a CPU cooler for more.